About to embark on a fulfilling journey.

JodieDownUnder

I’m so grateful to have found TGN a few years ago & love being involved in this global community. Now that I’m retired, I’m looking at other ways to give back to my local community. Last year I signed up for an email, that keeps interested people informed about what’s going on in my area re the environment/food production etc with local council. One thing in particular caught my eye. Ozgreen’s Resilient Communities Program. I did some reading, applied, had an interview and was accepted as a VCF,( volunteer community facilitator.)

Training starts next weekend, with a 2 day intensive course. From there we have 2 zoom meetings per month and one community presentation a month until October. Topics include, Fire, Water, Energy, Economy/Infrastructure, Food & Community Health. There are 2 of us for my local area that will work together to implement strategies on the above topics, with a coordinator. As VCF’s we deep dive into each topic, each month & explore what is happening locally & globally. Share concerns & form visions for a positive future.

It is a free program, that I thought would nurture me & put me in touch with like minded others, whilst trying to impart resilience to my local community. I’m a little excited to be starting this journey & intend to keep my TGN community up to date with important news & actions that can be implemented no matter where you live on planet Earth. If you have been involved in something similar, I’d love to hear your story.

https://www.ozgreen.org/

JennyT Upstate South Carolina

That's impressive @JodieDownUnder. I wonder if there's something like that in the States.🤔

I hope you enjoy yourself. I look forward to hearing what you learn from it.😊

Monek Marie

That sounds like an amazing opportunity @Jens the Beekeeper

Michelle D

@JodieDownUnder that sounds wonderful! I look forward to hearing about your journey. It would be amazing to find something like that near me.

annbeck62

How wonderful. You are certainly giving back to your community in a big way!

Torey

We have a couple of similar things here @JodieDownUnder, but not so much from a "green" perspective.

I am part of the Area Planning Committee that makes recommendations on property use based on local bylaws. So we are deciding on variances for building near property lines, changes to property lines or changes to land use (residential to business, etc.).

Some areas surrounding me (but not in my immediate community), we have what are considered "Official Community Plans", which lays out how the community wants to develop, expand and manage their resources. This could include projects such as establishing fire breaks around the community, developing attractions, improvements to or an increase in community facilities, "downtown" beautification, food security, infrastructure projects, etc.

Because my community doesn't have a Community Plan or a group to do that, I am trying to work my area regional director to get one set up. So I will keep an eye on this post to find out all the things you are doing, Jodie, so maybe we can implement some of those ideas in my area, too.

Good for you, getting involved in making a difference!

Linda Bittle

How wonderful!

I'm just now settling into retirement, and I love that there's now time to work on personal projects and things that matter.

Jens the Beekeeper

Congratulations on finding this opportunity and stepping up to it @JodieDownUnder

I am getting involved a little bit with a eat your city group in my town. Will see how this works out

Lisa K

How exciting @JodieDownUnder! I know the feeling, it was the same for me when I applied to be a TGN's Street Team member and was accepted!

marjstratton

That sounds great. Both fulfilling and satisfying to be able to be so helpful.